Can Too Much Sleep Cause Headaches?

We love to sleep in on the weekend, but can too much sleep cause headaches? Everyone knows that humans need at least 8 hours of sleep per night…

…but what if we decide to sleep in for 9, 10, 11 or even 12 hours?

Sure, getting up after lunch feels great but could it be slowing you down for the rest of the day?

Many of us try to “catch up” on lost sleep by sleeping in on Saturday the weekends! These sleep patterns can actually cause short and long term health problems like insomnia, diabetes and heart disease (as well as disrupt your circadian rhythm).

How to Relieve Headaches from Oversleeping

Oversleep and feel a headache about to ruin the rest of the day? Relief is possible, but you need to act fast! The longer you wait can cause your headache to get worse.

4 Tips for Morning Headache Relief

First, drink a big glass of water. After sleeping for 8+ hours your body will be dehydrated and in serious need of some water. Put the coffee, milk and juice on hold until after your shower and start your day with some h20.

Second, take a pain reliever like Advil, Motrin or Ibuprofen to help everything get back to normal. We recommend taking it with our glass or water from step 1!

Third, eat a hearty breakfast. Your stomach is likely growling, instead of grabbing eating fast food or a pop tart try cooking a real breakfast like pancakes or bacon and eggs! Your body burns more calories than your might expect while sleeping. Sure, driving through McDonalds and getting some hash browns may be easy but you are not doing yourself any favors in the long run.

Fourth, hit the gym. Instead of sleep walking through the rest of the day go to the gym and lift some weights or run on the track. Waking your body up and getting out of the “post sleep funk” is an easy way to jump start the rest of your day.

Potential Medical Problems from Oversleeping

Oversleeping every now and then is ok. When it becomes a habit you increase your risk of developing a number of diseases and illnesses! Healthy adults need around 8 hours of sleep per night.

If you (or a loved one) starts sleeping considerably more than this something might be wrong. Headaches, depression, heart disease, obesity and diabetes rates all increase when regularly oversleeping. Keep an eye out on your elderly relatives if they spend more time in bed than awake!

Headaches

Headaches are a common side effect of oversleeping. Scientists believe headaches are caused by misfiring neurotransmitters. Other factors like dehydration, diet and drug use can also play a large factor.

Oversleeping and Drugs & Alcohol

One of the most common reasons for oversleeping is drugs and alcohol. Most of us have had too much to drink and overslept. If this becomes a habit you may want to start cutting back or finding a healthy alternative. Keeping a regular sleep schedule is good for your physical and mental health, and putting down the bottle does not hurt either!

What is too much Sleep?

Everyone needs a different amount of sleep. Some of us can function with a little as 6 hours of shut eye per night while others need at least 8 to feel good.